In San Jose, federal prosecutors have intensified their focus on cases involving individuals alleged to have re-entered the United States following deportation. A recent indictment by a federal grand jury charges Jesus Alexis Cervantes-Luna, also known as “Sinaloa,” with illegal reentry after removal and multiple drug and firearms offenses.
Cervantes-Luna, a 29-year-old Mexican national, was initially charged on July 8, 2025. The indictment filed on July 24, 2025, includes charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as a felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal reentry following removal.
The complaint states that in February 2025, law enforcement responded to a hit-and-run incident in Salinas involving a vehicle registered to an address in Soledad. Officers found Cervantes-Luna at a nearby gas station and discovered suspected narcotics and ammunition during a search of his vehicle. Further incidents in March led to additional discoveries of drugs and firearms associated with Cervantes-Luna.
Cervantes-Luna had been previously deported from the United States around September 2023. He was arrested again on July 14, 2025, in Monterey and is set for arraignment on July 28, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent Jeffrey Brannigan announced the prosecution’s escalation since January 2025 against defendants found in the U.S. post-removal. Several other individuals have been charged under similar circumstances.
These actions are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through resources from various task forces.
It is important to note that an indictment merely alleges crimes have occurred; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted post-felony conviction removal, defendants face up to ten years in prison or up to twenty years if removed after an aggravated felony conviction.
Investigations leading to these prosecutions were conducted by HSI, DEA, ICE ERO, and FBI.
